Since I got involved with the 2014 session of the World Class program, I’ve been speaking with bartenders around the world about why I got involved in the first place. To answer this question, I first look at why I’ve ever thrown my hat into the ring for any competition. I can promise you that being handed a giant engraved shaker on stage is well near the bottom of my list of motivations.

One of the principal reasons I love to compete and why World Class was so intriguing is the people. No doubt one of the most unique aspects of our profession is the incredible community we have. I jump at the chance to meet other bartenders and surround myself with like-minded individuals who work in different styles. A competition like this brings together bartenders with an array of experiences. Even if you’re not competing, getting involved is beneficial. We’re always learning and evolving. That growth is never more active than when we break out of our day to day routine. Not to mention, you’re making new friends along the way. Having a bar stool waiting for you in distant cities isn’t the worst problem to have. Being able to reciprocate when people come to your town is even better.

One of my favorite things about World Class is that it is not a “cocktail competition.” Sure, your drinks need to taste great; however, this is truly a bartending competition. You’re challenged to utilize the skills we practice every day as bartenders, allowing you to highlight your strengths and helping you identify areas that may need improvement. You’re revisiting fundamentals while showcasing your own creative style. As I prepared for each round (regionally, nationally and globally) the cocktails I created became more complete, my attention to detail improved and I was simply more present behind the bar. My goal was to continuously learn, improve and provide the best guest experience possible. During the months of preparation, I was actively making myself a better bartender.

Getting to spend time with a diverse pool of competitors, bartending for leaders in our industry and traveling to some pretty insane locales all adds fuel to the fire. I’ve always been an experiential person. “Things” come and go, but your life experiences make you who you are and will always be with you. Few other industries are as connected as ours. You really never know who you’ll meet or where those connections will take you.

Whether you have a strong competitive drive or just want to challenge yourself to hone your craft, there are plenty of reasons to get involved. Even if you’re just checking out the online videos or attending one of the seminars, you’re bound to pick up something. Most importantly, have fun with it. We have the best job on the planet. Spread the love, be kind and push hard.